Government Still Unclear on Status of National Older Persons Bill Drafted Three Years Ago

Malawi-The Malawian government has yet to clarify when it will present the National Older Persons Bill to parliament, despite it having been drafted three years ago, writes Brenard Mwanza.

The bill aims to protect the rights of older individuals who are at risk of various forms of violence, including accusations of witchcraft.

The delay has left stakeholders uncertain about the government's commitment to this vulnerable population.

According to a written response from Pilirani Masanjala, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, the bill is still under construction, and the ministry only received instructions to act on it in 2022.

When asked about a timeline for finalizing the bill, Masanjala said that the drafting process is lengthy and it would be inappropriate to give a specific timeline at this point.

However, Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza recently affirmed the government's commitment to protecting the elderly, stating that the bill is being worked on under the Ministry of Justice and will be sent to parliament "anytime soon."

Andrew Kavala, Executive Director of the Malawi Network for Older Persons Organizations (MANEPO), has emphasized the significance of the bill as the only hope for older persons in Malawi.

Kavala says, "We need this bill tabled and a stronger action in place that is going to support the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons."

Raymond Chatima Nkhata, Member of Parliament for Mzimba South West, accuses political leaders of failing to make tough decisions on perpetrators for fear of losing votes, leaving the elderly vulnerable to injustices.

The United Nations Principles for Older Persons provide that older individuals in society ought to have independence, the ability to participate in the community, access to care, and be entitled to self-fulfillment and the full dignity of life, among other rights.

Reports indicate that since 2019, Malawi has lost over 100 elderly individuals due to accusations of witchcraft.